Associations to the word «Sterilize»

Wiktionary

STERILIZE, verb. To deprive a male or female the ability to procreate.
STERILIZE, verb. To make unable to produce. To make unprofitable.
STERILIZE, verb. (biology) To kill, deactivate (denature), or destroy (break apart) all living, viable microorganisms and spores that would be on a surface, in a fluid, or contained in a compound, such as culture media or a medical product.

Dictionary definition

STERILIZE, verb. Make free from bacteria.
STERILIZE, verb. Make infertile; "in some countries, people with genetically transmissible disabilites are sterilized".

Wise words

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.
John Locke